Curly hair is beautiful, but it can be difficult to maintain. Due to the nature of curly hair, curls are often dry and more prone to breakage and damage as a result of heat styling and other stressors. If you have found that your curls are not as bouncy as they used to be, dehydration could be the cause. While repairing damaged curls can be as difficult as reversing bunions, it is not impossible. Here are a few simple tips for reviving dry or damaged curly hair. 

1. Cleanse Gently

One of the most common ways that curls are stripped of their moisture and the natural oils needed to keep hair looking shiny and bouncy is by using harsh cleansers such as shampoos that contain parabens and sulfates. Switching to a natural, gentle cleanser with no harsh ingredients or chemicals will give your hair a gentle cleanse, and remove unwanted oils and dirt without disrupting the natural balance of your hair or stripping it of the good oils that are needed to keep it healthy. 

2. Use a Deep Conditioner

Add extra moisture to your curls with a thick, hydrating deep conditioner or hair mask. These treatments are often left in for much longer than a normal conditioner (sometimes overnight), and can instantly revive dry or damaged hair. For best results, apply a hair mask or deep conditioner to damp hair and comb it through with a wide-tooth comb to ensure that every inch of your hair is saturated in the product. Leave it in for as long as possible before rinsing, and enjoy your new bouncy curls. 

3. Embrace Hydrating Oils

Many people shy away from using oil-based products in their hair due to fear that they will make the hair appear greasy or will weigh hair down, decreasing volume. The truth is, hydrating oils are specially formulated to add a boost of moisture to the hair, taming frizz and adding shine, without weighing it down. Incorporating hydrating oil products into your post-wash hair care routine can make all the difference in the state of your curls. 

4. Use Heat Protectant 

While cutting out heat styling is the best way to repair dry hair and minimize further damage in the future, many people find it difficult to swear off their curling irons or straighteners. If this is the case, make sure to use a heat protectant before styling your hair with hot tools to minimize damage and keep your strands looking silky and smooth.